I felt like chapter one did a great job introducing the situation to the reader. It explains how the characters have just been replaced in the front line and are finally getting to rest for a little. The main characters of the story are established as Paul Baumer, Albert Kropp, Leer, Muller, Tjaden, Haie Westhus (who are all 19), and Stanislaus Katckinsky age 40. Chapter one tells that Paul, Albert, Leer, and Muller all joined the military because their teacher led them to believe that war was glorious. The characters actually end up feeling hatred towards him because of what he has done. They even blamed the death of one of their classmates Joseph Behm on him.
They find out one of their friends, Franz Kemmerich was in the infirmary with a flesh wound to his thigh. I find this part very sad because instead of worrying about their friend they were thinking about what to do with his boots. Muller I find was going to far in trying to get the boots that he was actually being rude. It's also sad because in war nowadays we would be able to help him through such a minor wound.
